22.2.19

How to avoid failing your MOT

If you are anything like me then taking your car in for its MOT can cause you feeling anxious and panicky. What if it’s things I could have fixed beforehand, what if it fails, how much is it going to cost?!

Often the reasons for failing are minor faults that can be fixed beforehand.

A few things to consider and look out for before going for an MOT

1. Keep a regular check on your tyre pressure. When you fill up on fuel at a petrol station check your tyres and fill them up if necessary. To test the tread you can do the 20p test. Insert a 20p into the tread grooves on the tyre. If you can't see the outer band on the coin they are above the legal limit. However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe.

2. Check that the horn works. Is it as loud as it should be? Does it work first time? The sound emitted must be continuous or uniform. It can’t be harsh or grating, or have more than one tone.

3. Check your vision through the front windscreen. Get any cracks repaired, or the windscreen replaced, and make sure your wipers are in good condition, replace if necessary.

4. Test handbrake, brakes and steering. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test your car on a quiet road by trying some emergency stops, and at the same time test your steering. Does it feel comfortable? Is your car driving in a straight line when the steering is in a neutral position?

5. Check lights are working. Including hazard lights, ask someone else to help whilst you test for reverse lights, brake light, fog lights, and headlights. Change the bulbs if needed, this can be quite fiddly and tough to do depending on your car, so may be a job for the garage.

6. When was your car last serviced? Regular servicing can save motorists money. New oil and air filters make cars more fuel efficient and are better for the environment. Looking at issues such as under inflated tyres will reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel consumption. Book your car service in London only with Iverson Tyres.